Combine Results

Grade

4.53 SEC

8 REPS

33.0 INCH

118.0 INCH

6.91 SEC

4.01 SEC

Draft Analysis:

The productive and polished Patton finished his two-year career at Louisiana Tech with 2,594 receiving yards -- for an average of 14.2 yards per catch -- and 24 touchdowns.

6'0" Height

32 7/8" Arm Length

204LBS. Weight

9 3/8" Hands

Overview

Louisiana Tech surprised many across the country in 2011, winning seven straight games in October and November, and the Western Athletic Conference title - the first time they wore that crown since 2001. The Bulldogs lost a close 31-24 game to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl, but during the broadcast, it came to light that Patton and teammate Adrien Cole gave up the $300 Best Buy certificates awarded to them in their bowl prizes to kids participating in the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Add that sort of character to his talent, and it makes scouts very intrigued with his potential as an NFL playmaker and locker room presence.

Patton won first-team all-conference accolades in his first year in Ruston (which is located in north central Louisiana) after catching 79 passes for 1,202 yards and 11 scores. His efforts against San Jose State (five catches, 116 yards, one touchdown) and Nevada (7-162, TD) were instrumental in the Bulldogs winning their league championship. It was no surprise Patton contributed right away, as several FBS programs had interest in his services coming out of Coffeyville Community College. Not only was he an all-conference receiver as a redshirt sophomore in Junior College in 2010 (687 receiving yards, four TDs), but he also received honors as a punter (39.8 yards per attempt).

Patton and the rest of the Louisiana Tech offense took the nation by storm in 2012. Their up-tempo passing offense racked up huge scores, tons of yardage, and a 9-3 record. Patton starred in the offense, earning first-team All-WAC honors and second-team All-American honors thanks to his 104 catches for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Analysis

Strengths

Good size for the position, has the height and length to play outside at the next level. Very good acceleration off the line, gets to full speed in a couple of steps and can shimmy to free himself and stick his foot in the ground to get inside position on slants. Uses a head fake to get the seam and possesses enough straight-line speed to take advantage of hesitating cornerbacks in off coverage. Fluid, economic mover who does plays under control. Stems to separate with good foot quickness on comebacks and out routes, also extends his arm to create space on short and deep routes. Natural hands catcher - catches the ball with his hands away from his body, even when tracking passes over either shoulder. Wins jump balls in the end zone and over the middle with good vertical and great concentration. Acrobatic and excellent at adjusting to the ball in the air, especially to the back-shoulder on fades. Good sideline awareness to get two feet in-bounds while making the catch. Used on quick throws to take advantage of his shiftiness and surprisingly tough running, lowers his shoulder and is not easy for smaller cornerbacks to drag down after the catch. Sells routes where he knows hes not the primary target to free up the underneath or cross-field receiver. Shows fight as a run blocker, willing to hit multiple punches to keep his man at bay and works himself into the correct blocking angle. Hustles downfield to help out fellow ballcarriers. Plays with a feisty attitude.

Weaknesses

Extends his hands from his frame, but doesnt snatch and secure the ball, making him struggle coming down with the ball when the defensive back contests him. As such, does not always find the ball downfield or come up with catchable passes when adjusting to it in the air. Inconsistent catching punts as a returner, makes some tough grabs running towards the sideline.

NFL Comparison

Reggie Wayne

Bottom Line

A first-team All-WAC pick in 2011 and 2012, Patton accumulated 2,544 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career with the Bulldogs after transferring from Coffeyville Community College. Hes an acrobat along the sideline and a vertical stem threat much, but needs to improve attacking the ball when contested. In his two seasons starting, however, he has showing NFL teams paying close attention that he possesses the hands, route-running skills, and toughness to be a top-64 pick - and, eventually, a very good starter.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.